Small audience for Primetime Emmys, TV's big night

[FormerBondFan]

http://tv.yahoo.com/show/43034/news/urn ... ys_ratings

Mon Sep 22, 10:49 AM PDT

Sunday's Emmy Awards had one of its smallest audiences ever.

It seemed somehow appropriate for an awards show that showered honors upon "Mad Men" and "30 Rock," series with critical acclaim and lousy ratings.

Nielsen Media Research's preliminary estimate was that 12.24 million people watched Sunday's show. If that number holds up when more complete national ratings come in, it will be less than the 2007 and 1990 shows, which were both slightly under 13 million.

The Emmys had some tough competition with a Dallas-Green Bay football game and "60 Minutes" interviews with John McCain and Barack Obama.

Still, it's an ominous sign for TV's new season, which opens Monday.

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[Dr. No]

I've never watched those things. Wast of time adn money IMHO.

It matter most to the people who get the awards, not to those watching at home.

Besides I'm tired of evey other winner deciding they have to take a moment to instruct us on how to live and who to vote for.

[katied]

I had the TV on in the other room while it was on,but would run out there to watch if they gave an award that was interesting.The Josh Groban TV theme medley is something I wish I could erase from my mind.

[Kristatos]

Viewing figures for awards ceremonies are down across the board. It's like the public have all simultaneously realised that they don't actually care which movie released last year had the best costume design.